Question

What are the symptoms of pellagra?

Answer 1

Hint: Deficiency of niacin also known as Vitamin \[B3\] causes a disease known as pellagra. This disease is characterized by the three D’s: dementia, diarrhea and dermatitis. Pellagra, if untreated, can cause death. Low levels of tryptophan also causes pellagra as tryptophan is transformed into niacin in our body.

Complete answer:
The disease pellagra is represented by the following symptoms:
1. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the first D that occurs before the other D’s.
2. Dementia: A mental disorder involving memory loss and personality disorder. Dementia can also show symptoms such as depression, mood swings, anxiety and delusions.
3. Dermatitis: Dermatitis are rashes that can be observed in hands, lips and face. A symptom known as casal necklace or casal collar occurs which is characterized by rashes in the neck region.
Other symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Additional information:
There are two types of pellagra. Primary pellagra is characterized by the low intake of niacin or vitamin \[B3\] in the diet. This can be managed by consuming the required amount of Vitamin \[B3\] from food items such as beef, liver, salmon, mushrooms etc. Secondary pellagra occurs when the body is unable to process niacin due to any other underlying diseases.

Note:
Our body needs different nutrients to maintain homeostasis. Nutrients can be classified as micronutrients and macronutrients, based on the requirements of our body. Vitamin \[B3\] is a micronutrient that is important to maintain cholesterol level and to keep our skin and digestive tract healthy. It also helps us to be active and alert. The daily requirement of Vitamin \[B3\] for an average adult is \[14 - 16\] mg.